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Date: 2006-05-10 16:25:41
May 2006 Newsletter
Log Cabin Republican Club of Virginia
May 2006 Newsletter
April Meeting – More Candidates from Alexandria
We had a couple of candidates who could not join us in March come by and talk to us briefly about their campaigns in the People’s Republic of Alexandria. The first was Craig Miller, running for one of six seats on the Alexandria City Council. The other Republicans running in the May 2nd election for the council were Bernie Schulz, Ken Foran, Pat Troy, and Van Van Fleet. Unfortunately, they all fell short in the face of voter apathy over the skyrocketing taxes and spending in the city. Also attending last month was school board candidate Peter Atherton, running in District C. Although endorsed by the Washington Post in his race, Peter also did not win. We want to thank all of these fine candidates for their service and urge them to stay active and begin preparing for their next race. May Meeting – Looking Towards the Future
Join us for our regular monthly meeting on May 16th as we finalize plans for our PAC fundraiser in June, Gay Pride Day, the annual summer picnic in August, and discuss our efforts to fight the proposed marriage amendment to Virginia’s Bill of Rights. As usual, the social begins at 6:30 and the meeting will begin at 7:00 at the Boulevard Woodgrill in Arlington. Log Cabin Convention Highlights – Keeping Our Eyes on the Prize
Any Club members who were able to attend all or part of the Log Cabin National Convention/Liberty Education Forum National Symposium that was held in Washington from April 27 – 30 were rewarded with inspiring speakers and words of encouragement that were a welcome relief from the current mood of pessimism over the upcoming midterm elections. Over 400 members and friends from around the nation and across the political spectrum discussed battles against discriminatory legislation, defending families, the military’s Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell Policy, faith and politics, and outreach efforts. The four days’ highlight was a black-tie-optional dinner in the Ronald Reagan Building and International Trade Building where John Danforth, former U.S. Senator, former U.N Ambassador, and Episcopal minister, spoke of the religious right’s push to ban gay marriage through a federal constitutional amendment. He cited these efforts as the latest example of how the political influence of evangelical Christians is hurting the GOP. Senator Danforth stated, “The basic concept of the Republican Party is to interpret the Constitution narrowly, not expansively, so that legislatures, and especially state legislatures, can work out over a period of time the social issues in our country.” Amen. Other speakers included Rep. Jim Kolbe, former Gov. Jane Swift (R-MA), Episcopal Bishop Gene Robinson, pundit Andrew Sullivan, authors Jonathan Rauch and David Boaz, Joe Solmonese from HRC, and Chuck Wolfe from the Victory Fund. In addition to all that, there were a variety of very useful organizing seminars for local chapter leaders. We urge everyone who did not attend this year to put it on their calendar for next year. PAC Fundraiser – An Important Aspect in the Struggle
Our Club’s PAC fundraiser, which was originally expected to take place in May, has been postponed until June. Most likely, it will take place during the third week of the month, close to our regular meeting, but the date will depend on the speakers we are trying to line up. We urge members to remain flexible and make attendance at this annual event a priority. Lend your dollars and your voices to our efforts to speak for you on the local level and in Richmond. Since its inception five years ago, the Log Cabin Virginia political action committee has raised over $30,000 for inclusive state and local Republican candidates, and this event is critically important to our continued growth and influence within the Republican Party of Virginia. Membership Renewal – Help Us Help You
It’s membership renewal time again, and the Log Cabin Republican Club of Virginia is once again asking for your support so that we can remain a vibrant voice for gay and lesbian Republicans. Our Club strives to create a place for gays and lesbians in the Republican Party, and to foster respect for the Republican Party in the gay community through lobbying, mailings, displays at Pride events, and political activism at the state and local level.
Despite some setbacks, our call for inclusion is being echoed by respected, nationally-known Republicans, such as former U.S. Senator John Danforth, former New Jersey governor and EPA director Christine Todd Whitman, and former New York mayor Rudy Guilliani. It’s time to take back our party, and your membership helps to get our call for limited taxation, a strong national defense, and limited government involvement in our personal lives heard across the political spectrum. When we meet with elected officials, it counts when we can say that we represent the gay Republican community. Membership fees remain the same as for the past two years: Singles: $50.00/year Couples: $80.00/year At-large members: $10.00/year Students: Half price of the applicable category above. We urge all current members to sign up at least one new member this year. Encourage your gay and straight friends and family members to attend a meeting and check us out. Mail your check, made payable to LCRC of Virginia, to LCRC of VA, P.O. Box 16611, Alexandria, VA 22302. Events Planning – Your Help is Wanted
Daniel Gri, the Club’s Social Director, is asking for your help in planning the PAC fundraiser, our annual summer picnic, and other social events he has on the calendar. We all know that subtle personal reminders are often more effective than an e-mail, and Daniel needs a few volunteers to call members and remind them of upcoming events. Contact Daniel at: Daniel.W.Gri@irs.gov. Pride Day – Come by and Support Us
Washington’s Annual Gay Pride Day is Sunday, June 11. This year, the Log Cabin Republican Club of Virginia will be sharing a tent with other Virginia-based organizations opposed to the proposed marriage amendment in the state, and we will be speaking in one voice against this radical measure. Groups that have been invited into the tent include Virginia Partisans, the Arlington Gay and Lesbian Alliance (AGLA), Equality Fairfax, and various churches and other civic organizations. This is part of the Club’s effort to work with others who share our commitment to fair and equal treatment of all citizens, and it meshes nicely with our goal of educating hostile groups on our vision of a true Republican Party. Please stop by and see how we are speaking for you.
Summer Picnic – Fun in the Sun
This year’s annual summer picnic has been scheduled for Sunday, August 13, and will be held in lieu of the regular monthly meeting. This year, Daniel Gri and James Abbott have graciously offered to open their beautiful home to the Club and will be hosting the picnic. Parking, food, drink, and escape from the elements, if necessary, will all be available for $15.00. We urge members to invite their family and friends to this annual event as part of our statewide effort to put a human face on the proposed marriage amendment and the lives such discrimination will affect. Keep the date open; details will follow. Calendar of Events –
Tuesday, May 16 – Regular monthly meeting at the Boulevard Woodgrill in Arlington. The social period begins at 6:30 and the meeting will begin at 7:00. As usual, dinner is available afterwards upstairs in the restaurant. Sunday, June 11 – Gay Pride Day in DC. The Log Cabin Republican Club of Virginia will be sharing space with other groups opposed to the proposed marriage amendment to Virginia’s constitution. Tuesday, June 13 – 8th District Republican primary to select a candidate to oppose Rep. Jim Moran in November. Polls are open from 6:00 AM until 7:00 PM. Sunday, August 13 – Annual summer picnic held in lieu of our regular monthly meeting, at the home of James Abbot and Daniel Gri. $15.00 covers food and beverage. Map and details will follow. |
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The Only Question That Matters: Do People Choose Their Sexual Orientation?
Noted author Chandler Burr has written a new white paper for the Liberty Education Fourm. Burr's white paper clearly demonstrates that we already know the answer to this question--people don't choose their sexual orientation. This has important political implications and it's a powerfull tool for achieving equality. Click here to read this new report. |
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Quotable Quotes |
Richmond Times-Dispatch Friday, February 17, 2006 Barry Goldwater, speaking in 1981: "I'm frankly sick and tired of the political preachers across this country telling me as a citizen that, if I want to be a moral person, I must believe in A, B, C, or D . . . .I am even more angry as a legislator who must endure the threats of every religious group who thinks it has some God-granted right to control my vote on every roll call in the Senate." |
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